Jessica Tolliver
Hello! My name is Jessica. I am a very active mother of two. I enjoy Hiking, Cycling, & Yoga. I believe in taking care of the mind, body & soul.
I self-trained in massage in my early 20's by reading books and practicing with friends. Later I enrolled in Massage School at Touching America School Of Massage in 2014, so I could formally follow my passion.
My personal testimonial to Massage Therapy began a year before I enrolled in school. I had a knee injury which resulted in surgery. I went from a very active lifestyle to bed-ridden for a month. Although I did my prescribed physical therapy, my muscles atrophied.
Once I got back on my feet, and was released to do so, I began the climb back into fitness. This was met with great resistance from my body. Nearly a year after the surgery I could barely walk, experiencing excruciating pain in my hip. This became almost debilitating.
I eventually consulted an orthopedic surgeon, who recommended a highly invasive surgery. Determined to avoid the knife a second time, I consulted my fellow students and instructors at school. After a single deep tissue session I was nearly pain free. After three, I was completely pain free.
I always believed massage was good for relaxation, improved circulation and overall well-being. And now I know first-hand that it is also healing.
Although I am committed to continuing my studies into different modalities, I am primarily intuitive in my work. I listen to the client and I also listen to the body. More times than not, the muscles will tell me what they need.
A lot of my work is based on Eastern Philosophy and I also back this up with Western science. I believe in finding a balance between the two. I bring positive energy, a variety of modalities and a strong knowledge of the anatomy to each session.
When the Arkansas Massage Board was absorbed by the Arkansas Department of Health in 2015, I was appointed to the Massage Therapy Technical Advisory Committee (MTTAC) In 2018 I was reappointed for a second 3 year term and was the Chairman. It is because of this experience I am able to help therapists throughout Arkansas improve our field.
In 2017, through advanced continuing education efforts, my license was upgraded to Master Massage Therapist, MMT. In 2017 I also received my MMP, Medical Massage Practitioner certification. In 2019 I became a certified Yoga Instructor.
I teach community workshops around Arkansas in Stretching and Partnered Stretching because I believe self-care is just as important as any other therapy.
I have been teaching continuing education in Massage Therapy and Yoga since 2016. Master Massage Learning started as a continuing education provider and has grown into a school.
Active modalities include Thai Massage, BST, AIS, eStim, vibration therapy, myofascial release, and more.
In 2021 I upgraded my license again to Massage Therapy Instructor and began the process of opening Master Massage Therapy Institute.
My mission is to raise the bar for Massage Therapy in Arkansas.